Everybody Say ‘Hmm …’: Game of Thrones’ David Benioff and Dan Weiss Will Take on Another Beloved Franchise

In a surprising bit of news today, Lucasfilm president Kathleen Kennedy announced that Game of Thrones showrunners, David Benioff and Dan aka D.B. Weiss will — like The Last Jedi‘s Rian Johnson — head up a new Star Wars movie trilogy.

David and Dan are some of the best storytellers working today. Their command of complex characters, depth of story and richness of mythology will break new ground and boldly push Star Wars in ways I find incredibly exciting.”

I mean, cheers and all that — and I get where Kennedy is coming from; they did manage to bring George R. R. Martin’s sprawling tales to glorious life — but I do admit to feeling a bit of trepidation at this news.

Firstly, is there such a thing as Star Wars overload? On the one hand, I’m sure the answer is ‘No’.

On the other, we have the main series, with Episode IX, at least one more anthology films (Solo), and the aforementioned new Rian Johnson trilogy. Presumably, the main series will continue ad nauseam. There’s something to be said for a sense of longing between movies … but maybe that’s my old creeping in. Kids these days, they need constantly refreshing entertainment, I suppose.

But, let’s talk specifics here — Star Wars as we know it, is at least somewhat family friendly, whereas Game of Thrones is … decidedly not. Benioff and Weiss are known for their button pushing on touchy topics, and their next HBO project, Confederate, reeks of tone deaf insensitivity (I wonder if HBO came to its senses and dropped the project). So, is Disney/Lucasfilm about to break into the truly dark side?

I mean, as long as they stay away from our beloved original characters …

For their part, Benioff and Weiss are suitably excited:

In the summer of 1977 we traveled to a galaxy far, far away, and we’ve been dreaming of it ever since. We are honored by the opportunity, a little terrified by the responsibility, and so excited to get started as soon as the final season of Game of Thrones is complete.”

Cindy Davis has been writing about the entertainment industry for ​over eight years, and is the ​Editor-in-Chief at Oohlo, where she muses over television, movies, and pop culture. Previous Senior News Editor at Pajiba, and published at BUST.